Question about Valve Adjustment

[gjmascoli]

Would I be able to set the valve gap if I had the engine rotated to top-of-exhaust stroke rather than TDC?

When I was doing a valve adjust after replacing the air-box on my CIS 2.7L, I had the distributor installed 180deg out of phase. Therefore, when I thought I was at TDC with both Intake and Exhaust valves closed, I maybe was having Intake closed but Exhaust open. Of course, I only realized the distributor error when engine was re-installed and I couldn't get the engine to fire.

Anyway, assuming I could set the valve gap when the exhaust valve was open, I assume I would basically end up with a 2 x spec gap. Would you agree?

The thought I had was that the valve spring would prevent me from getting feeler stock in there, uless I backed waaay off the adjustment screw (which maybe I did that!)

How bad is it to have valve gap set too open, other than a really noisy valve train?

BTW, I've driven about 100 miles since setting the valves.

[Flat6pac]

Does it sound like spec to you.
If the corp wanted .2 to be spec they would have wanted the engine at temperature.
Just do the job correctly.
Bruce

[gjmascoli]

No, doesn't sound like spec! I guess you are confirming the possibility that I screwed this up!

[gjmascoli]

Do I need to reset both sides or only exhaust side?

[Flat6pac]

Do the job one time, completely, do it right and you know you're complete.
The cost savings are there if you adjust to spec.
Bruce

[gjmascoli]

Thanks Bruce. I assume I haven't done any damage. Engine is running strong although noticeably clackety!

[Jesse16]

Hard to believe you could do that. You'd have to back the adjuster out ALOT. Then that valve would never open, maybe? Seems you would notice .